Brigade bosses also decided the fate of three colleagues who filmed the incident.

The four were given final written warnings and a stoppage of pay, which will amount to around £1,000 each.

In a joint statement, Mr Bruce and his colleagues Simon Leyland, Glenn Simon and Chris Wilcox, said: "We all very much deeply regret our actions and the damage and embarrassment we have caused to our fire service and would like to publicly apologise.

"We are all extremely proud and privileged to be Greater Manchester firefighters and know we are extremely lucky to have kept our jobs. We recognise that our behaviour was totally irresponsible and we are genuinely ashamed, and would stress that nobody should try to copy the stupid act that we did.

"We would all like to now put this case behind us and concentrate on getting on with the job of serving our community."

Back in August, footage of the stunt, thought to have been taken on a mobile phone, was shown around the country and caused outrage. County Fire officer Barry Dixon called it "reckless" and "irresponsible".

It showed 33-year-old Mr Bruce, from Radcliffe, getting into an industrial drying machine at the station. As he climbs into it he tells colleagues: "As soon as I say, let me out."

He then packs the dryer with clothes to protect himself.

The machine is on and he is spun round several times as others laugh in the background.

County Fire Officer Dixon said: "This was an extremely serious disciplinary case regarding a reckless and irresponsible act. Whilst it may appear amusing to some people it must not be forgotten that the fire and rescue service, due to its life saving role, work in an environment in which health and safety has to be a priority.

"The public need to be confident that our approach is such that they are never at risk. As a chief officer I also need to be confident that firefighters take care not only of themselves but of each other. This act breached fundamental health and safety regulations.

"Fire fighters are role models, particularly for children, and I have a real fear that someone may try to emulate the act with tragic consequences. This behaviour set an appalling example and not only brought into question the reputation of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service but that of firefighters and employees of the service nationally.

"Neither myself nor my colleagues will tolerate or condone behaviour such as this, which has let the service down."